Atlanta news, Georgia news, Breaking news from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Credit: Roger Ressmeyer

It’s been 40 years since debut of ‘New Coke,’ Coca-Cola’s biggest failure

The 1985 launch of New Coke was the result of the cola wars between Coca-Cola and Pepsi. It didn't work out as Coca-Cola intended.

Atlanta business owner gets 12 years in prison in $156M FEMA fraud case

An Atlanta business owner was sentenced Tuesday to 12 years in prison on fraud, theft and money laundering charges tied to a $156 million FEMA contract.

OPINION

RHONE: Spring break hasn’t changed. We have.

In the heightened state of zero-tolerance created by spring break crackdowns, residents are encouraged to think of everyone as a rule-breaker.

Tariffs and new federal energy policies cloud future for Georgia’s solar industry

Georgia’s solar industry sees clouds gathering on the horizon, as President Donald Trump’s tariffs and disdain for federal clean energy tax credits create uncertainty.

1h ago

Politics

Credit: AP

OPINION

MURPHY: Pope Francis challenged Congress to be better. It isn’t.

Will Congress ever live up to the ideals the pope put in front of them?

POLITICALLY GEORGIA

Republican Bill Cowsert launches campaign for Georgia attorney general

Cowsert is vying to replace Republican Chris Carr, who is running for governor. The GOP primary field for attorney general already includes state Sen. Brian Strickland.

LISTEN

Pastor Jamal Bryant talks Target boycott

Dr. Jamal Bryant joins ‘Politically Georgia’ to talk about the Target boycott.

Health experts: Axing CDC research on maternal health a ‘huge’ step backward

Georgia once ranked worse than any other state for maternal mortality but has shown improvements by using both federal and state funds for the research and data collection.

6m ago

AJC Sports

Credit: AP

MLB

Late bullpen collapse leads to 10-4 loss to Cardinals

The Cardinals took advantage of the Braves' sloppy pitching and scored eight unanswered runs in the final four innings

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

STATE SPORTS REPORT

Date, time set for Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl semifinal game in 2025-26 College Football Playoff

Credit: AP

FOOTBALL

D. Orlando Ledbetter’s final mock NFL draft: Falcons meet a need, 3 Bulldogs go early

Credit: Michael Gonyea, Home Game Hero

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

North Oconee gymnasts go for seventh consecutive title at state meet

North Oconee High School gymnastics team in Watkinsville tries to win its seventh consecutive state championship.

19m ago

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

SPORTS DAILY

Who will the Falcons draft?

1h ago

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

YELLOW JACKETS

Georgia Tech freshman tight end to transfer

The Glynn Academy graduate was considered a three-star prospect in the 2024 class.

Credit: AP

NBA

Warriors’ Dunleavy says Hawks can expect seamless transition to GM Onsi Saleh

Golden State GM says Saleh brings ‘wealth of knowledge and ability to connect all parts of his job.’

School Shooting Aftermath

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Judge in the Apalachee High case could ‘import’ a jury. It's happened before

Barrow County residents won’t decide the fate of Colin Gray in the Georgia school shooting case, but those up for jury duty may need to travel to the Atlanta exurb for trial.

Families see changes after Georgia school shooting, but wonder are they enough?

Parents of Apalachee High students, who have different political beliefs, come together to advocate for school safety measures after the Apalachee High school shooting.

Like his father, shooting suspect argues fair trial not possible in Barrow County

Today's Videos

Now Playing

This could be America’s next national park

There's something bigger happening with 'A Minecraft Movie' chaos

One of Atlanta's hidden gems lets bartenders harvest for their own craft

AJC Peachtree Road Race

Credit: Branded Content

From birding to pickleball, and eco-tours to walking, hiking trails, and historic sites, Daytona Beach delivers a world...

Credit: Getty Images

Northside Hospital and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution are teaming up to give away Zoo Atlanta Family Memberships.

Credit: Native promo image

Sevierville, Tennessee, rolls out the outdoor welcome mat for a multitude of adventures or a relaxation getaway.

Remember the ice bucket challenge? Here’s why those videos are back

A social media sensation that raised millions for ALS is hoping to do something similar for mental health awareness.

Atlanta native Kenan Thompson says GERD diagnosis is ‘no joke’

The "Saturday Night Live" star is speaking out for the first time since his diagnosis with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The debate on whether shared interests are important when dating

Joining events or groups catered to your specific interests are a great way to have fun and potentially meet like-minded partners.

How national parks became the new wellness retreat

A new camping report shows millennials and Gen Z are spending big on wellness-focused getaways, redefining how we camp and connect with nature.

Arts and Entertainment

Credit: Chelsea Patricia

‘Puppy Prov!’ raises aww-wareness and howling laughs at Dad’s Garage

Through May 9, you can adopt many of the four-legged stars of this doggone funny improv show that supports a good cause.

Credit: Photo courtesy of Taste of Marietta

Taste of Marietta to fill the square with good smells and flavors this Sunday

The event will host more than 70 diverse Marietta and Cobb County restaurants that will offer some of their best dishes.

Credit: Photo by David Clifton Strawn

Get to know South Atlanta artists and creative spaces at ‘South of Center’ event

To bring attention to South Atlanta’s flourishing visual arts scene, a group of artists has organized a weekend of open studios, exhibits, demos, artist talks and more.

Georgia and Metro News

Credit: Rodney Ho

Cadillac Jack, longtime Atlanta country radio host, has died

William “Cadillac Jack” Choate, who went by Caddy to his listeners, worked at country station Kicks 101.5 for 26 years and 92.5/The Bear in Fayetteville for four.

MARTA launches new app to plan trips

Customers can search for available MARTA routes online at tracker.itsmarta.com/plan and pick the one that works best for their travel plans.

Has Atlanta hit bottom? ‘Office curious’ investors seek skyscraper deals

With more companies pushing their workers back to the office, leasing is up and optimism is rising among investors seeking to buy distressed office towers at a discount.

Life sentence for Gwinnett father who killed 9-week-old daughter in 2019

Latest Headlines

2m ago

6m ago

19m ago

1h ago

Opinion and Voices

Credit: Miguel Martinez

GUEST COLUMN

Justice out of reach: Atlanta’s legal aid crisis

The legal system doesn’t need more noise — it needs clarity. A new student-led project can help.

MIKE LUCKOVICH

04/23 cartoon: Sending a signal

The AJC's award-winning editorial cartoonist gives his take on the latest news.

GUEST COLUMN

Survey says: Parents don’t feel heard by elected officials

Parents in both political parties say they want public policy to improve education and help kids thrive.

AJC CONTRIBUTOR

Words matter because people matter

We need to continue conversations with people who use the r-word to explain the hurt that comes from this language.

GUEST COLUMN

MARTA must get back on track. Here’s how.

MARTA can't afford to double down on the status quo. It must act boldly.

Chases Unchecked

Credit: Ben Gray for the AJC

Deadly crash reignites debate over Georgia State Patrol’s pursuit practices

A Georgia State Patrol chase that killed a 19-year-old bystander in Atlanta last week thrust the agency into the middle of a public debate about police pursuits.

Man’s conviction in deadly GSP pursuit sheds light on handling of such cases

Two days after a Georgia State Patrol pursuit ended in a crash that killed a bystander in Little Five Points, a similar case saw its conclusion in Fulton Superior Court.

INVESTIGATION

GSP’s aggressive pursuit culture endangers public like few other state agencies in the country, AJC finds

The major takeaways from the AJC's investigation of the GSP's pursuit policies and how they affect bystanders

AJC Peachtree Road Race

Credit: Joaquin Lara for Atlanta Track Club

The latest updates: The first mile is the hardest

Experts answer your questions and we share what you need to know before the big race.

Registration for AJC Peachtree Road Race is open

This year sees the return of traditional lottery system for would-be runners in ‘World’s Largest 10K.’

Prepare for the big race with Atlanta Track Club’s In-Training program

Atlanta Track Club’s In-Training program can help you meet your goals whether you’re preparing for your first race or attempting to take home a ranked award.

Latest news

Politics

Credit: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

LISTEN

Monday Mailbag: Ranked-choice voting, David Scott and Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’

The "Politically Georgia" hosts answer questions from the listener mailbag.

Man arrested at Marjorie Taylor Greene’s town hall demands charges be dropped

'Someone with no criminal history, a decorated veteran, has been arrested and suffered physical injuries, but also reputational harm,' the man's attorney says.

Warnock: People in despair about politics should not give up hope

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock appeared on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on Thursday to talk about the current state of politics and promote his new children's book.

Metro Atlanta

Credit: Orange County Jail

Convicted murderer headed to Georgia prison after his mistaken release

2m ago

Health experts: Axing CDC research on maternal health a ‘huge’ step backward

Georgia once ranked worse than any other state for maternal mortality but has shown improvements by using both federal and state funds for the research and data collection.

6m ago

MARTA launches new app to plan trips

Customers can search for available MARTA routes online at tracker.itsmarta.com/plan and pick the one that works best for their travel plans.

Georgia

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Tariffs and new federal energy policies cloud future for Georgia’s solar industry

Georgia’s solar industry sees clouds gathering on the horizon, as President Donald Trump’s tariffs and disdain for federal clean energy tax credits create uncertainty.

1h ago

It’s been 40 years since debut of ‘New Coke,’ Coca-Cola’s biggest failure

The 1985 launch of New Coke was the result of the cola wars between Coca-Cola and Pepsi. It didn't work out as Coca-Cola intended.

Called for jury duty in a county far away? It’s happened before

Barrow County residents won’t decide the fate of Colin Gray in the Georgia school shooting case, but those up for jury duty may need to travel to the Atlanta exurb for trial.

Opinion

Credit: Miguel Martinez

OPINION

Justice out of reach: Atlanta’s legal aid crisis

The legal system doesn’t need more noise — it needs clarity. A new student-led project can help.

OPINION

RHONE: Spring break hasn’t changed. We have.

In the heightened state of zero-tolerance created by spring break crackdowns, residents are encouraged to think of everyone as a rule-breaker.

OPINION

When it comes to climate services, we need data, not debate

Several Regional Climate Centers in the Southeast are facing significant funding threats, potentially hurting emergency management and our economy

Falcons

Credit: AP

D. Orlando Ledbetter’s final mock NFL draft: Falcons meet a need, 3 Bulldogs go early

Kirk Cousins reportedly attends first day of Falcons’ offseason workouts

Atlanta’s backup QB’s future still undecided ahead of NFL draft

Falcons’ Bijan Robinson: ‘I’m tired, in the offseason, of telling people like, man, we’re almost there’

Robinson wants the Atlanta Falcons, who finished 8-9 last season, to return to respectability and reach the playoffs.

Bulldogs

Credit: Tony Walsh/UGAAA

Georgia defensive back becomes fourth Bulldog to enter transfer portal this spring

With Chris Peal's exit from the program, 13 of Georgia’s 26 signees from 2023 will not be playing for the Bulldogs next season.

Georgia baseball’s offense goes quiet in sweep at Vanderbilt

Georgia reportedly adds Miami DL Joshua Horton, Illinois RB Joshua McCray from transfer portal

Georgia Tech

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Georgia Tech freshman tight end to transfer

The Glynn Academy graduate was considered a three-star prospect in the 2024 class.

Georgia Tech reserve tight end to transfer

Georgia Tech tight end Jackson Long announced Monday he will enter the transfer portal.

Georgia Tech’s Brent Key among coaches to take part in Peach Bowl golf tournament

Georgia Tech football coach Brent Key will join other coaches in the 18th annual Southern Company Peach Bowl Challenge charity golf tournament. It's his second appearance.

Hawks

Credit: AP

Warriors’ Dunleavy says Hawks can expect seamless transition to GM Onsi Saleh

Golden State GM says Saleh brings ‘wealth of knowledge and ability to connect all parts of his job.’

Hawks learn where they could make lottery pick in 2025 NBA draft

The NBA announced the tiebreaker for positioning in the 2025 draft after several teams in the league finished with similar records.

Timeline of ex-Hawks general manager Landry Fields’ tenure with the team

Landry Fields’ termination comes after the Atlanta Hawks finished the regular season with a 40-42 record, along with an elimination from the Play-In Tournament.

Braves

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

Sports Daily: Who will the Falcons draft?

1h ago

Late bullpen collapse leads to 10-4 loss to Cardinals

The Cardinals took advantage of the Braves' sloppy pitching and scored eight unanswered runs in the final four innings

Braves starter Spencer Strider diagnosed with low level hamstring strain

‘In the moment I thought it was going to be something serious,’ Atlanta pitcher says.

United

Credit: Mitch Martin/Atlanta United

Atlanta United loses two starters to injury for at least four matches

That stretch of games includes at Orlando on Saturday, against Nashville on May 3, at Chicago on May 10 and at Austin on May 14.

Atlanta United finds no clear answers in loss to Philadelphia

‘Today, I felt too many were not at the level they can be,’ Five Stripes manager says.

Philadelphia 3, Atlanta United 0: By the numbers

Zero wins for Atlanta United from three road matches this season.

High Schools

Credit: Michael Gonyea, Home Game Hero

North Oconee gymnasts go for seventh consecutive title at state meet

North Oconee High School gymnastics team in Watkinsville tries to win its seventh consecutive state championship.

19m ago

GHSA girls soccer tournament first-round scores, matchups

GHSA boys soccer tournament first-round matchups

More Sports

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

Sports Daily: Who will the Falcons draft?

1h ago

Warriors’ Dunleavy says Hawks can expect seamless transition to GM Onsi Saleh

Golden State GM says Saleh brings ‘wealth of knowledge and ability to connect all parts of his job.’

Date, time set for Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl semifinal game in 2025-26 College Football Playoff

Food & Dining

Credit: CHRIS HUNT

Grindhouse replaces NFA Burger at Truist Park just weeks into baseball season

NFA Burger owner Billy Kramer shut down his slider stand at Truist Park just a few weeks into the Atlanta Braves' 2025 season.

26 Thai team aims for ‘edgier and more experimental’ in new concept

The owner of 26 Thai, which now has nine locations around metro Atlanta, will open an Asian-themed tapas and cocktail bar in Midtown called Blackjack.

New chefs land at two hotel restaurants and more from Atlanta’s dining scene

Caribou coffee returns to Georgia, a James Beard Award-winning chef will bring his breakfast chain to town and wine bars got the spotlight this week.

UATL

Atlanta native Kenan Thompson says GERD diagnosis is ‘no joke’

Former Atlanta resident and "Saturday Night Live" star Kenan Thompson is speaking out for the first time since his diagnosis with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Traveling exhibition of art exclusively made by Black men returns to Atlanta

A traveling exhibition of art exclusively made by Black men returns to Atlanta with Black Boy Art Show.

OPINION

RHONE: Spring break hasn’t changed. We have.

In the heightened state of zero-tolerance created by spring break crackdowns, residents are encouraged to think of everyone as a rule-breaker.

Things to Do

Credit: Kelly Thompson Photography

Atlanta’s Last Waltz Ensemble pays tribute to the legendary 1976 concert

The Last Waltz Ensemble will headline a free outdoor concert at the soon-to-be-demolished Decatur Bandstand as part of this year’s Amplify Decatur Music Festival.

2h ago

Could Georgia strike gold with film tourism?

Years after "The Vampire Diaries" ended, one Georgia town is still cashing in — now other cities want their shot at entertainment tourism fame.

Explore Atlanta’s natural wonders with these local trails

Whether you want an urban challenge or just a calm stroll around Atlanta, these nearby walking trails are the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day.

Lifestyle

Credit: Courtesy of Georgia Safari Conservation Park

How national parks became the new wellness retreat

A new camping report shows millennials and Gen Z are spending big on wellness-focused getaways, redefining how we camp and connect with nature.

Are shared interests important when dating?

Joining events or groups catered to your specific interests are a great way to have fun and potentially meet like-minded partners.

Azalea and camellia leaf gall is widespread this year

Walter Reeves gives advice on azalea and camellia leaf gall, and how to grow a new trunk for a crape myrtle tree.

Entertainment

Credit: Rodney Ho

Cadillac Jack, longtime Atlanta country radio host, has died

William "Cadillac Jack" Choate, a long-time country radio deejay in Atlanta, died at age 51 of a heart attack April 17, 2025.

Slater Nalley is sole Atlantan in ‘American Idol’ top 14

"American Idol" cut its top 20 to 14 on Sunday, April 21, 2025. Slater Nalley, a Lovett School senior, got through, but Baylee Littrell of Alpharetta didn't make it.

Will Darius J be the second Georgia resident to win ‘The Voice’?

Atlanta singer Darius J is hoping to be the second Georgian to take home “The Voice” crown on NBC.

Travel

Entrance to national parks is free Saturday, including Georgia sites

April 20 kicks off National Park Week and is one of six days each year with no entry fee

Southern Living’s best city of 2025 is just one state away

Why Chicago should be your springtime escape from Atlanta

Chicago is just a short flight from Atlanta, offering world-class museums, skyline views and vibrant nightlife. Here's how to make the most of a spring weekend in the city.

Wellness

Atlanta native Kenan Thompson says GERD diagnosis is ‘no joke’

Former Atlanta resident and "Saturday Night Live" star Kenan Thompson is speaking out for the first time since his diagnosis with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

How national parks became the new wellness retreat

A new camping report shows millennials and Gen Z are spending big on wellness-focused getaways, redefining how we camp and connect with nature.

Remember the ice bucket challenge? Here’s why those videos are back

A social media sensation that raised millions for ALS is hoping to do something similar for mental health awareness

Special Features

Credit: Grace Dickinson

Southern Classics — Reimagined

Aging in Atlanta

AJC Pulse Magazine

Photos

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

PHOTOS: Braves wins series opener with Cardinals

Braves open three-game series with St. Louis Cardinals at Truist Park, winning, 7-6.

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

PHOTOS: Braves sweep Twins

The Atlanta Braves took care of the Minnesota Twins Sunday, 6-2, to complete their first three-game sweep of the season.

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Photos: 2025 Easter Sunrise Service at Stone Mountain

Thousands attend Easter sunrise service on top of Stone Mountain on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Photos from Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.